Foundations & Philanthropy
UChicago Career Advancement has a wide range of resources and activities to explore and begin a career in foundations, philanthropic organizations, and in development-focused roles in nonprofits.
You have the opportunity at UChicago to volunteer your time through student organizations (RSOs) focused on philanthropy, intern with leading foundations, and help to understand the research behind development with faculty and staff.
Explore the resources below to help identify a path toward a career in institutional development!
SOLD ON A CAREER IN PHILANTHROPY?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Evaluate grant proposals with a philanthropic organization
- Fundraise for important causes with the development team at a nonprofit
- Manage executive relationships across businesses with a global foundation
- Manage giving and grant programs at a major corporation
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into the essentials of fundraising, international development, donor management and more through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program, experiencing a day-in-the-life of individuals at organizations such as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.
Career Treks
Build networks globally and learn what it means to be a philanthropic professional on a Career Trek to Washington, D.C. or the Global Health Trek in Accra, Ghana.
Civic Engagement
Engage in the community to develop new ideas and experience opportunities in institutional advancement with UChicago Civic Engagement, Civic Knowledge Project, or Small Business Growth Program.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program, with organizations like Shared Harvest Fund, UChicago Alumni Relations & Development, or The Giving Back Fund.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with Robin Hood Foundation, American India Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, or The Giving Back Fund through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program.
Leadership Development
Accelerate your leadership development through opportunities focused on growth and giving back, with organizations like the Stamps Scholars Program, Professional Conference Grants, or Social New Venture Challenge.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career in Philanthropy with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with My Block My Hood My City, the Evanston Art Center, The Giving Back Fund, or the Surgo Foundation through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program.
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program, such as a Master's in Business Administration, Master's in Public Policy, or a Master's Program in Social Service Administration.
Global Health & Health Policy
UChicago Career Advancement offers in-depth and immersive experiences that position you to launch a career in global health, health policy, health equity, advocacy and beyond.
At UChicago, you have the opportunity to connect with leading faculty experts at UChicago Medicine and the Center for Global Health and participate in cutting-edge research in medicine, human rights, and public policy.
Explore the resources below to chart your path to a successful career in global health!
WHERE WILL A CAREER IN GLOBAL HEALTH TAKE YOU?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Manage a program to fortify food security with an NGO
- Educate and support vulnerable populations with an intergovernmental agency
- Study women’s healthcare issues in rural communities as a policy analyst at a think tank
- Execute relief on-the-ground during an emergency with a global non-profit
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into global health through a day-in-the-life experience as part of UChicago's Job Shadowing Program with a current professional from the Chicago Global Health Alliance, Institute for Health Policy, or UChicago Medicine.
Career Treks
Develop a global mindset and empathetic worldview of global health through local and overseas Career Trek experiences with the Illinois Department of Public Health in Chicago or the Global Health Trek to Accra, Ghana.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program, with institutions like the Center for Global Initiatives, Chicago Global Health Alliance, or UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with World Vision, African Federation for Emergency Medicine, National Cancer Society of Malaysia, or Population Services International through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program..
Language Studies
Master a language to open up new career opportunities with a Foreign Language Acquisition Grant (FLAG), Third Year International Travel Grant, Nassef Sawiriris Research Grant, or Aftrican Studies Research Grant.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career in Global Health with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with Globe Med or UNICEF through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program.
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program, such as an MS in Public Health, MA in Public Policy, here at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Global Health Scholars Program
Build skills and grow your network through this selective-track for professional development in global health with tailored skill building, dedicated internship opportunities, and exclusive workshops offered to Global Health Scholars.
Government & Public Policy
UChicago Career Advancement will help connect you with in-depth, experiential opportunities that position you to begin a successful career in public service or public policy.
As a student, you can meet with national leaders at the Institute of Politics, conduct ground-breaking research at the UChicago Center on Democracy, and intern with a variety of government agencies and political campaigns.
Explore the resources below to chart your path to a successful career in public service!
HOW WILL YOU IMPACT GOVERNMENT AND POLICY?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Draft public policy proposals and communications for elected officials
- Create policy memos for branches of the federal government
- Canvass for policy positions as a part of an advocacy organization
- Analyze data and manage public programs for government institutions
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Take a deep-dive into what it means to do policy analysis or manage a government program through a day-in-the-life experience with a current professional at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Progressive Public Affairs, or the United States Attorney's Office through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program.
Career Treks
Gain a new understanding of what it means to engage in public policy through a Career Trek to cities across the nation, including local treks in the city of Chicago, a New York City Policy Career Trek, or a Washington, D.C. Career Trek.
Career Exploration Week
Explore all the field has to offer during Career Exploration Week or at an Industry Immersion Event.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule, through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program. Possible employers include organizations such as the Harris School of Public Policy, Metropolitan Planning Council, or UChicago Law School.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with the City of Chicago Mayor's Office, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Governor of the State of Illinois, or NYC Health + Hospitals through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program.
Public Policy Leaders Program
Join a selective cohort of future public policy leaders to accelerate your career growth, with dedicated internship funding, exclusive content and workshops, and growing alumni connections through UChicago's Public Policy Leaders Program.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career in public service or public policy with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with NORC at the University of Chicago, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, or Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program..
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program and pursuing a Law degree or an MA in Public Policy at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Green Careers & Sustainability
At the University of Chicago, students have access to numerous opportunities to learn how to engage in green careers or apply their skills to sustainability initiatives within different industries.
You can learn how to build sustainability efforts as part of student organizations, intern with the Program on the Global Environment, and engage deeply with research at the Energy Policy Institute at UChicago.
Explore a career in environmental sustainability by exploring the resources below to jumpstart your career!
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GREEN CAREER?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Manage conservation efforts at a global NGO
- Lead efforts to implement new public policy with an advocacy organization
- Implement corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices within a corporation
- Educate students and the public about sustainability as part of a non-profit
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into Green Careers through a day-in-the-life experience with a current professional at the Ohio Environmental Council, National Resource Defense Council, or the U.S. Department of the Interior through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program.
Career Treks
Learn more about the intersection of policy, sustainability, and the environment through our Career Treks, including the New York City Public Policy Trek or the Washington, D.C. Trek.
Career Exploration Week
Explore all the field has to offer during Career Exploration Week or at an Industry Immersion Event.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule, through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program. Possible employers include organizations like the Earth Law Center, I Grow Chicago, or the Illinois Science Council.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with Shedd Aquarium, Big Green, Program on the Global Environment at UChicago, or IPM Institute of North America through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program.
Internship Cohort Programs
Invest in environmental change and make a measurable impact in communities with tailored skill building, dedicated internship opportunities, and exclusive workshops offered through the UChicago Conservation Corps and Global Water Innovation Cohort as part of UChicago Green Careers.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career in public service or public policy with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with Environmental Law and Policy Center or Environment America through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program.
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program and pursuing an MS in Sustainability, MA in Public Policy, or Certificate in Energy & Environmental Policy at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Human Rights & NGO
In partnership with the Pozen Family Center for Human Rights, UChicago Career Advancement offers in-depth and immersive experiences that position you to launch a successful career in human rights or with a global NGO.
At UChicago, students have access to experts in their field at the Harris School of Public Policy, alumni involved in frontline human rights work through Career Treks, and the Pozen Family Center for Human Rights internship program.
Explore the resources below to begin your career advocating in service of others!
WHERE WILL YOU GO TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Advocate for clients and others with a legal advocacy organization
- Develop and advocate for new public policy within a global NGO
- Conduct research and investigate cases with a government agency
- Provide direct support and services through a non-profit
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into what it means to work for an NGO through a day-in-the-life experience with a current professional at The Legal Aid Society, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, or Schools That Can through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program.
Career Treks
Develop a global mindset and empathetic worldview through local and overseas Career Trek experiences, including an NGO Chicago Trek or Immigration Law and Policy Trek.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule, through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program. Possible employers include organizations like World Vision International, I Grow Chicago, or Beyond Legal Aid.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with Human Rights Watch, Lambda Legal, Global Justice Center, or Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program.
Language Studies
Master a language to open up new career opportunities with a Foreign Language Acquisition Grant (FLAG), Third Year International Travel Grant, Nassef Sawiriris Research Grant, or Aftrican Studies Research Grant.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Partners for Justice, or GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program.
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program, like an MA in International Relations, MA in Public Policy, Master's in Social Work, or Master's of Public Administration at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Human Rights Internship Program
Through the Pozen Family Center for Human Rights, embark on a paid internship focused on human rights, with $5,000 in funding, dedicated opportunities, and a cohort-model of participants and alumni.
Think Tanks & Research
The University of Chicago provides a one-of-a-kind experience for students who are interested in careers in think tanks.
At UChicago, you have the ability to connect with scholars and participate in a number of leading institutes, including the Becker Friedman Institute, the Tara Centre for Development, and the Chicago Project on Security and Threats.
Check out this short video on careers in think tanks and research, and explore the resources below to chart your path to a successful career generating new knowledge!
HOW CAN YOU BUILD A CAREER IN RESEARCH?
Find the role that's right for you:
- Conduct policy analysis to provide insight for diverse organizations and leaders at a nonpartisan think tank
- Provide insight and conduct analyses for implementing policy at a government agency
- Present to party-aligned policymakers and legislators as a part of a partisan think tank
- Create new knowledge in the field while you pursue a PhD
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into Think Tanks through a day-in-the-life experience with a current professional at Progressive Public Affairs, Ohio Environmental Council, or National Institutes of Health through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program.
Career Treks
Learn more about how to combine policy analysis and research at a think tank on one of our Career Treks, like our Washington, D.C. Trek or the New York Public Policy Trek.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule, through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program. Possible employer organizations include the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, or Illinois PIRG.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Milken Institute, Chicago Project on Security and Threats, or the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program..
Summer Institute in Social Research Methods
Develop theoretically-grounded research methodologies for social scientific research through summer through coursework and an RA position as part of UChicago's Summer Institute in Social Research Methods. This includes co-curricular programming, rigorous coursework, and experiential research learning.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career at a think tank with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with the Wilson Center, Civic Consulting Alliance, UChicago Consortium on School Research, or American Enterprise Institute through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program..
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program, such as a PhD in Policy, Political Science, or Economics, an MA in Public Policy, or or other disciplines at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Leadership Development
Accelerate your leadership development and growth through opportunities focused on growth and giving back with the UChicago Institute of Politics Ambassador Program, Social New Venture Challenge, Professional Conference Grants, or Stamps Scholars Program.
Social Service & Social Work
UChicago Career Advancement offers many resources and experiences for you to explore and begin a career in social service, social work, or social sector administration.
At UChicago, students have the opportunity to join the selective Social Sector Leaders Program, which is designed to accelerate the career of future leaders in social services. You also have the opportunity to collaborate with scholars and researchers at UChicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
Explore the resources below to chart your path to a successful career in the social sector!
SOLD ON A CAREER IN SOCIAL SERVICE?
Find the role that's right for you:
1-5 Day Long Experiences
Job Shadowing
Dive deep into Social Service through a day-in-the-life experience with a current professional at Schools That Can, One Hope United, Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, or Chicago Public Schools through UChicago's Job Shadowing Program.
Career Treks
Learn more about how you can make a social impact and become a leader in the social sector through our Career Treks, like the New York Law Trek or the Education Policy Trek.
Month-Long Experiences
Micro-Metcalf Internships
Expand your skills with micro-internships, short projects that you can complete from anywhere in the world on your own schedule, through UChicago's Micro-Metcalf Program. Possible employer organizations include Instituto de Progreso Latino, Neighborhood Schools Program, or JusticeWorks YouthCare.
Metcalf Internships
Experience substantive internships throughout the academic year and into the summer as an intern with Metropolitan Family Services, Latino Donor Collaborative, Strategy for Access NFP, or Project Harmony Israel through UChicago's Jeff Metcalf Internship Program.
Leadership Development
Accelerate your leadership development through opportunities focused on growth and giving back with the Neighborhood Schools Program Leadership Corps, Stamps Scholars Program, or Professional Conference Grants.
Year-Long Experiences
Kimpton Fellows Program
Launch a fulfilling career with a one-year paid fellowship after graduation with the Children's Corps, 100 Black Men of Chicago, or Genesys Works Chicago through UChicago's Kimpton Fellows Program.
Graduate Programs
Gain specialized knowledge by enrolling in a graduate program, such as a Master's of Social Work or a Master's of Public Administration at UChicago or another top-tier university.
Social Sector Leaders Program
Develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of complex social issues through coursework at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, faculty and employer workshops, and a connected alumni network through Career Advancement's Social Sector Leaders Program.